Centre sanctions shelters for ITBP in border areas

The Centre has accorded sanction to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for purchase of high altitude shelters for its personnel deployed in inhospitable terrain along the Indo-China border. Following the authorisation by Union Home Ministry, ITBP is now finalising the qualitative requirements (QRs) of the high altitude shelters before floating the tenders its procurement. The shelters fitted with generator sets will have heating and lighting facilities for the comfort of the jawans. 

Earlier, the paramilitary had finalised QRs for the shelters but they were found to be vendor specific and the Government subsequently rejected it.  The Government has authorised 22 shelters and granted Rs 5.12 crore for the procurement of such portable facilities. One shelter will be installed at select border outpost. Every shelter will cost over Rs 23.29 crore. 

The locations identified for installation of such shelters include lukma I, lukma II and Gangtambaralam in Himachal Pradesh, Topidunga, Sumla, Mendi, Nabhidhang, Jollingkong, Kutti and Gyaldung (Uttarakhand), Daulat Beg Oldie, Track Junction, Bursa, Murgo, Silungla (leh) and Gorala, Dorzila in Sikkim and Jarjing, Yorling, Tadadegi and Hotspring in Arunachal Pradesh.  

As many as 139 BOPs out of a total of 166 are located above 7000 feet. The high altitude shelter will have a dimension of 20’x12’ and can accommodate 20 people at a time and provide them protection from rough weather at such heights from the inbuilt heating and lighting facilities. Officials said such a version from vendor has been installed in ladakh on a trial basis. The facility in use for the last four years has been found to be effective and useful to beat the cold. Sources, however, said the huts are not portable as they are touted to be. 

The high altitude shelters will be made of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) to provide insulation. The item has been listed under Directorate General of Supplies & Disposal (DGS&D) rate contract to maintain the highest quality standards for the material used in these huts. The quality is assured by Quality Control Department of DGS & D, Minister of State for Home Haribhai Chaudhary said in written reply recently.